15
Than I, cock? I wish you no better luck yourself! You force me to curse you, you know. But begin with Euphorbus and tell me how you were transformed to Pythagoras, and then the rest of it till you get to the cock: for it is likely that you have seen many sights and had many adventures in your multifarious existences.
16
How my soul originally left Apollo, flew down to earth and entered into a human body and what sin it was condemned to expiate in that way would make a long story; besides, it is impious either for me to tell or for you to hear such things. But when I became Euphorbus. . .
16
But I,—who was I formerly, wondrous creature? First tell me whether I too was ever transformed like you. Cock Yes, certainly.
16
Then what was I? ‘Tell me if you can, for I want to know.
16
You were an Indian ant, one of the gold-digging kind.Herod. 3, 102.
16
Confound the luck! to think that I did not dare to lay in even a small supply of gold-dust before coming from that life to this! But what shall I be next, tell me? You probably know. If it is anything good, [ll climb up this minute and hang myself from the peg that you are standing on.
17
You can’t by any possibility find that out. But when I became Euphorbus—for I am going back to that subject—I fought at Troy and was killed by Menelaus, and some time afterwards I entered into Pythagoras. In the meanwhile I stood about and waited without a house till Mnesarchus should build me one.
17
Without food and drink, my friend?
17
Yes, certainly; for they turned out to be unnecessary, except for the body.
17
Well, then, tell me the story of Troy first. Was it all as Homer says?
